Queen visits Porton Down
Her Majesty's been joined by the Duke of Cambridge.
Last updated 15th Oct 2020
The Queen's been carrying out her first public engagement since the Covid-19 pandemic began today (Thursday 15th October), with a stop in South Wiltshire.
She's visited Porton Down's DSTL, accompanied by Prince William.
They both arrived at science campus, separately, just after 10.00am - Her Majesty by helicopter, and the Duke of Cambridge, by car.
They've officially opening a new Energetics Analysis Centre, as well as meeting scientists on site.
The staff that the Royal Party are meeting are those that have been working on the response to the coronavirus crisis, and those that worked to investigate and decontaminate following the novichok incidents in 2018.
All 48 staff that the Queen and Prince William met had Covid-19 tests beforehand, to make sure the visit was safe.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said:
"Specific advice has been sought from the medical household and relevant parties, and all necessary precautions taken, working closely with DSTL."
On their social media feeds, DSTL has said:
"We’re delighted to have received the Royal seal of approval for Dstl’s science inside defence and security.
"Our state of the art Energetics Analysis Centre has today been opened by the Queen. The EAC brings together vital counter-terrorism capabilities and is a major investment in the UK's safety and security."
Her Majesty and the Duke of Cambridge have also be shown a Forensic Explosives Investigation demonstration, which forms part of DSTL's Counter Terrorism work.
CEO of DSTL at Porton Down, Gary Aitkenhead, said:
“There is no greater accolade than to have The Queen and The Duke of Cambridge open this extraordinary building, particular during a global pandemic. This is testament to Dstl and our people as a proven national asset, not just in forensic science and explosives detection, but across a wide range of scientific fields, including artificial intelligence, cyber and quantum and in doing so providing an advantage to our military and security services.
"It’s great for us to showcase our work, which benefits us all in the UK, and to be recognised in this way is a great honour.”
SWORD OF PEACE PRESENTED TO LOCAL TROOPS
During the visit, The Queen and The Duke have handed over the 'Firmin Sword of Peace' to the Army's Headquarters in the South West, based in Tidworth.
That's in recognition of the Army's 'exceptional contribution in support of the city of Salisbury and its communities' following the novichok incidents two years ago.
Colonel Mike Duff, the Deputy Joint Military Commander for the decontamination operation, who received the Sword on behalf of the headquarters said:
"It is a huge honour to receive the Firmin Sword of Peace in recognition of the work done by Headquarters South West. This was a true team effort that would not have been possible without contributions from across Defence, including Dstl, and the local authorities."